The Bellair Road Urban Park, which is situated behind the Informal Market, is the venue for the Sanlam Cato Manor Small Business Fair to be held on the weekend of 30 June to 1st July. It has been chosen as the venue for the Fair because it is easily accessible and is well placed to attract passing traffic.

The Small Business Fair makes a welcome comeback after its launch last year. The purpose of the Fair is to provide small emerging businesses in Cato Manor with an opportunity to showcase their goods and services to members of the public, as well as to other businesses.

Local businesses are expected to come in big numbers to show off their wares and talents to people from all over the Metropolitan area. Sixty local businesses participated in the inaugural event and it is hoped that this year’s event will attract more people.
The owner of KwaMthanti Catering Equipment, who won a fax machine at last year’s event, has already shown enthusiasm to participate. “We can not afford to let this opportunity pass us by. It is the only stage that will give us exposure to our clients . The only misfortune is the time factor. It is too soon. Most of us are ill-prepared,” said Christian Mthanti.
The Fair will include workshops on various topics all geared to help small businesses grow. The event organisers McIntosh, Xaba & Associates have approached Sanlam, Tiger Brands, MTN and P4 Radio with invitations to participate in the Fair. Local businesses that are keen to participate are advised to visit CMDA’s Local Economic Development Department for application forms. Stands are available at the following prices:- R50 for a table and two chairs, R150 for a table and two chairs as well as a backing board for displaying your wares. Corporate stands are available at R1 600 and R1 800.
The Fair is open to all producers, retailers and service providers. Entrepreneurs wishing to take part should get in touch with Kerry Philp at telephone 301 4331, or Mxolisi Mwandla at 261 6640 for further details.

Breakthrough for Cato Crest entrepreneurs

Emerging contractor Nathaniel Thusi
got the nod to start with construction of the Cato Crest Container Park.

Cato Crest Small Business Association members have reason to smile. The long awaited construction of a container park that will accommodate manufacturers, retailers and service providers has been given the go-ahead.
It is anticipated that construction will commence during May. The project suffered a minor delay as a result of land acquisition and formalisation processes. Nevertheless S&T Constructions has been duly appointed to start the 20 week construction programme.
“If all goes according to plan the park will be ready in September,” said Mxolisi Mwandla who is co-ordinating the project on behalf of the CMDA. The first phase of the project will provide 18 containers to the Cato Crest business sector. “If the project proves to be viable more containers will be added as time goes on,” said Mxolisi.
This programme is a result of a needs analysis of backyard businesses. The study revealed that there was a huge demand for container parks as they will allow the small business to grow and network and provide better service to their clients. Application forms will be made available at the construction site office at the entrance of the Greenfields or from the Local Economic Development Department at the CMDA offices.
Interested residents should make applications and submit them as soon as possible as this will help the management team decide on the kind and the sizes of containers needed. Closing dates for submission of applications will be posted at strategic places in Cato Crest. Residents are advised to be on the look-out for them.